Empire of Ash and Silk

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Silence of Navami

It was the day of Navami, and the palace had already begun to feel emptier with the impending departure of Laxmi and her family. Tomorrow, the celebrations would be over, and everyone would return to their respective lives, leaving behind the memories of the last few days.

Anaya walked slowly through the courtyard, the early morning light casting long shadows against the stone walls. She had been avoiding Zahir since their near-kiss in the armory. Her mind kept replaying that moment—how her heart had raced, how he had frozen beneath her touch, and the inexplicable pull she felt even now. But she hadn't told anyone, not even Laxmi, who had caught her looking lost in thought earlier. She simply couldn't bring herself to explain.

Aarav and Laxmi, meanwhile, were spending every precious moment together, their quiet laughter and secret glances only adding to the bittersweetness of the day. Anaya glanced at them from the distance, feeling the weight of their impending separation, but more than that, she felt the gnawing discomfort of her unresolved feelings toward Zahir.

As she turned a corner, she spotted Zahir approaching in the distance. She immediately averted her gaze, quickening her pace, trying to focus on something—anything—that wasn't him. But he was persistent. Every time she saw him, his presence seemed to draw her in, and the more she tried to avoid him, the more she felt a strange pull.

She ducked into a smaller corridor leading toward the kitchens, hoping to lose him in the maze of halls. But fate, as it often did, had other plans. As she turned the corner, she found herself face to face with Zahir, his figure framed by the light streaming in from the courtyard.

"Running away again?" Zahir's voice was calm, teasing, though she could hear the slight edge of curiosity.

Anaya sighed, exhaling a quiet laugh. "You're persistent, aren't you?"

Zahir smiled, his eyes gleaming. "I have to be. You've been dodging me the whole day"

"Not dodging," Anaya corrected, "just busy."

Zahir raised an eyebrow. "Busy, huh? I thought you'd have more time for me by now."

Anaya shrugged, trying to hide her flustered expression. "There are... other things to focus on."

"Like avoiding me?" he teased.

Anaya's lips pressed together in a tight smile. "Maybe."

Before Zahir could respond, Azeem appeared behind them, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, you two! Why don't we go into town one last time before we all leave tomorrow? Everyone's been talking about it all morning. We could make the most of today."

Anaya blinked, feeling relief flood through her as she realized she wouldn't have to continue this awkward moment with Zahir. She nodded, eager to escape the tension that had been hanging between them. "Sure, sounds good."

The rest of the group quickly gathered—Aarav and Laxmi, Azeem, and the others—all eager to spend the last day together before they parted ways. They all made their way out of the palace gates and into the bustling town, the streets alive with vendors selling sweets and incense, people in their finest clothes celebrating the last day of the festival.

The streets of the town bustled with activity as the group wandered from stall to stall. Laughter echoed around them, and the vibrant colors of the festival seemed to wash away the tension that had been thick in the air only moments before.

Azeem, with his usual grin, had rallied everyone together. "How about some sweets before we head back?" he suggested, his voice light and teasing. "Or maybe we should try the new chai stand, hmm? They say it's the best in town."